10 Legit Things You Wish You Knew Before You Went Clubbing In Montreal For The First Time

#4. A good bra is your best friend.

Alright, I'm going to have some real talks with you guys right now: when I first moved to Montreal, I had absolutely NO idea what I was doing. I had never been here before, I walked into res bright eyed and bushy tailed, completely and utterly clueless as to what I was getting myself into. Furthermore I had never really done any kind of clubbing before I moved to Montreal, and being thrust in to that scene was a little messy.

But eventually, I picked myself up, figured my $hit out, and now I can consider myself a semi-functional adult type person. But it was a long road, believe me and I have a lot of peers who went through a similar struggle. If we had some sort of help with the nightlife scene I'm sure things would've been a little less rocky. So I'm here to give you some advice on how to navigate this crazy time in your life, and hopefully make your nights out a lil' more enjoyable.

1. The CMP

The CMP is an essential way to remember, well... the essentials. Before you leave your res room make sure you have it down. Cash, maps, phone. Do you have enough cash to pay for a cab and a slice of pizza? Did you screen shot the directions to get back home? Is your phone fully charged and ready for a whole lot of drunk selfie taking? If not, you're opening yourself up to a world of mistakes which could've been prevented.

2. The Buddy System Is Key

I'm not saying you have to hang around the same person all night, but it's good to have a few key people who seem trustworthy at your side. You don't want to deal with greasy guys by yourself, so team up with a friends to ward them off. Enduring the Montreal nightlife is a surprisingly good bonding experience.

3. Only Get A One Way Pass For The Metro Ride

Don't kid yourself. You're not going to finish clubbing before the Metro closes. Save yourself the money and pay for a one way ticket. You can save the $3.25 for your inevitable cab ride home.

4. A Good Bra Is Your Best Friend

When you're dancing, walking around, and flailing around in a drunken stupor, you need ample support. Somewhere between a push up and bralette should be good. Even if you can get away with not wearing a bra, I still recommend it, otherwise you're denying yourself the bra-pocket (the bra-ket). You can hold a surprising amount of important items in there.

5. Have An Idea Where You're Going

I know I sound like a mom when I say this, but I urge you to take my advice. There's nothing worse than being drunk, alone and not knowing where to go.

6. Get Drunk But Not TOO Drunk

Get drunk, friends. Have a blast. BUT knowing your limits is also crucial with the first few times you go out. If you're feeling happy drunk already, skip the tequila shot and have some water instead. In my experience, it's better to be the kind of drunk where you still have the ability to make "sober-ish" decisions if need be.

7. Hold Your Own

Honestly, Montreal is notorious for harassment. I've been groped, catcalled and followed all within the confines of a city block. Don't let people take advantage of you. Stick with friends, and if someone is trying to pull some $hit, speak up. It's better to hold your own and let people know their actions are unacceptable, then let it happen and be a passive agent to the problem.

8. Choose Your Footwear Wisely

As an avid wearer of high heels, I know the struggle you ladies face. Sometimes you outfit just demands an uncomfortable (yet ballin') pair of Stilletos. But, if you know you're going to be walking a lot, do the right thing and wear your favourite pair wedges instead. Trust me. I haven't been able to feel my feet since Frosh week.

9. Accept The Fact You're Going To Get Drunk Food

It's okay. There is no judgement here.

10. Don't Get Discouraged

In the end, you're going to have a couple of crappy nights. You'll be sitting on your res room floor, surrounded by friends sporting scraped knees, smeared make up and and the residue of pizza grease on their fingers. It happens, but it's okay. You've just got to roll with the punches and know Montreal will be there to have your back when you're ready to get back in the game.